Schools across Exmouth are facing a shortage of lolli-pop people - just as the long winter evenings move in.

Devon County Council is appealing for new school crossing patrol staff at Withycombe, Littleham, and Marpool primary schools, to help pupils get to school safely.

The council says it is unusual to have so many vacancies in the town at once, and new recruits are urgently needed.

Crossing patrol administrator Rodney Webber said: “All these crossings are very important – they all meet our criteria.

“Littleham is a site we really need to cover out on the main road – the children tend to come out of the cul-de-sac where the school is and, if nobody is there, we’ve got a problem.”

Currently the vacancies are being covered by reserve staff - but they cannot be on hand all the time.

All the vacancies are for one-hour a day – half an hour in the morning, and half an hour in the afternoon – and training and uniforms will be provided.

Debbie Townshend, who has been on patrol at Bassetts Farm for 12 years, says the job satisfaction from getting pupils to school safely makes it worth doing, and that it could suit parents as it fits around school hours and holidays.

She said: “People tend to think lollipop people are all retired, but there’s no age limit, as long as you’re fairly fit and prepared to go out in all weathers.

“You know you’re appreciated when you get little thank you cards at the end of term from the children. You know then you’re doing something worthwhile.”

Anyone interested in becoming a lollipop person should contact the council on 01392 382247.